What Researchers Did
Australian and New Zealand researchers surveyed 101 vascular surgeons and podiatrists about their opinions on and use of HBOT for lower limb ulcers, including ischemic, neuropathic, and venous types.
What They Found
Only 37 of 101 specialists used HBOT for lower limb ulcers; fewer than 8% felt HBOT frequently or always had a role. Vascular surgeons were significantly less likely to support HBOT than podiatrists, yet more likely to actually use it. The majority (76 of 101) agreed that a large clinical trial is needed to determine HBOT efficacy for lower limb ulcers.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
For Canadian patients with diabetic foot ulcers, an OHIP-covered indication for HBOT, this survey reveals that specialist opinions on HBOT remain divided, and that stronger clinical trial evidence is needed to drive broader adoption.
Canadian Relevance
Diabetic foot ulcers are an OHIP-covered indication for HBOT in Ontario, making this debate about evidence and clinical uptake directly relevant to Canadian wound care practice.
Study Limitations
Survey-based studies capture opinions rather than outcomes, and findings from Australia and New Zealand may not reflect attitudes among Canadian vascular specialists.